Human Physiology and Pharmacology module (BS22001)

​​Learn about the physiology, pharmacology and anatomy of key human body systems. This includes skeletal muscle, smooth muscle and cardiovascular/respiratory systems​

Credits
20
Module code
BS22001
Level
2
Semester
Semester 2
School
School of Life Sciences
Discipline
DArcy Thompson Unit

​​This module will take you through three interconnected body systems:

  • ​muscle (skeletal and smooth)
  • ​the cardiovascular system
  • ​the respiratory system

​You will examine topics such as:

  • ​how these systems function at a biochemical and physiological level
  • ​how they are regulated by the nervous system and pharmacological agents
  • ​how they respond under demanding conditions such as exercise or illness

​The module builds your ability to integrate knowledge across topics. It will allow you to develop the analytical and problem-solving skills that make up biomedical science.

​What you will learn

​In this module, you will:

  • ​study the structure and physiology of skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle and the neuromuscular junction
  • ​explore cardiovascular function. This includes heart rate regulation, and control of blood pressure
  • ​examine lung structure, function, and gas exchange. You will also examine the neural and chemical regulation of breathing

​By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • ​explain the physical and biochemical principles underpinning neuromuscular, cardiovascular and respiratory function
  • ​discuss how these systems respond to normal and extreme conditions. This includes disease and exercise
  • ​show problem-solving and data analysis skills within a biomedical sciences context​

Assignments/assessment

  • ​​1-hour online exam (60%)
    • ​This will be in the University's main April to May exam diet
    • ​This consists of a single best answer online assessment. This will test knowledge and understanding across all module topics
  • ​Online coursework assessment (class test) (40%)
    • ​This is normally timetabled in week 17
    • ​This consists of single best answer and numerical calculation questions. It will cover topics delivered in timetabled workshops. The class test will be closed-book and invigilated.​

Teaching methods/timetable

  • lectures
  • ​workshops
  • ​interactive, timetabled classes. These will cover topics including:
    • ​the resting membrane potential
    • ​neuromuscular junction
    • ​respiratory system
  • ​online revision quizzes and activities
    • ​These are a way for you to support your self-directed study and prepare for summative assessments​

Courses

This module is available on the following courses: